Module 1: What is BlazerPulse? Why Use this Resource Guide?

1. Introduction to BlazerPulse

• UAB invested in BlazerPulse for three primary reasons:

1. BlazerPulse bridges connections among students, faculty, staff, and community partners around UAB and Birmingham. Oftentimes, we are unaware of what our peers are doing around the community, but BlazerPulse closes these gaps. 
2. BlazerPulse acts as a "front-door" for community partners interested in tapping into the UAB community. Partners may be unaware of where to start when working with our community, but this platform serves as a beneficial pathway.
3. BlazerPulse directly relates to one of UAB's mission pillars--community engagement. By using BlazerPulse features to track, manage, and report data, we are able to continuously monitor our performance regarding community engagement. 

• For more information on UAB's relations with BlazerPulse, visit the UAB's BlazerPulse Resources page.

2. Why BlazerPulse Matters

• For Students: Find volunteer opportunities, track service hours for scholarships/programs, and build a service portfolio.
  • Feeling lost in Birmingham? Can't keep up with your community engagement or service hours? Unsure of how to create a cohesive volunteerism story to tell employers? Students understand the importance of getting involved in one's own community, but many are lost at the very first step. UAB's partnership with BlazerPulse aims to address these issues by connecting students with the community outside of UAB. With BlazerPulse's extensive features, it serves as a useful tool for students every step of the way as they begin or continue their community engagement journey. More information in Module 2.
• For Faculty/Staff: Manage service-learning projects, track engagement, and assess impact.
  • Stressed about the extra workload in your service-learning class? Unsure of how to efficiently keep track of student activities? BlazerPulse can take care of the organizing and tracking, while professors focus on the meaningful tasks. BlazerPulse can serve as the central hub for communicating with students and partners, recording hours, and writing reflections. Save time and seamlessly integrate BlazerPulse into your classroom using UAB's Course Designation Form. More information in Module 3.
• For Community Partners: Post opportunities, connect with volunteers, and track organizational impact.
  • Looking for extra help from people with similar values to your organization? Wanting new, fresh ideas from external sources? Utilize BlazerPulse to tap into the UAB community and find meaningful connections. Use BlazerPulse's matching search database to target your position listings to find the right help. Use BlazerPulse to represent your organization and attract the help you need. More information in Module 4. 

3. What This Resource Guide Covers

• Step-by-step guides for key BlazerPulse features.
• Video tutorials for easy navigation.
• Tips and best practices to make the most of BlazerPulse.
• Common FAQs and troubleshooting support.

• 5 Modules
  1. Why use BlazerPulse? Why use this Resource Guide?
  2. Student Uses of BlazerPulse
  3. Faculty Uses of BlazerPulse
  4. Community Partner Uses of BlazerPulse
  5. Additional Resources

4. How to Use This Guide Effectively

• Follow along with tutorials and step-by-step instructions.
• Use the guide as a quick reference for common questions.
• Explore advanced features as you become more familiar with the platform.
• Bookmark the guide for easy access when needed.